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Girgis M, Petruncio G, Russo P, Peyton S, Paige M, Campos D, Sanda M. Analysis of N- and O-linked site-specific glycosylation by ion mobility mass spectrometry: State of the art and future directions. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300281. [PMID: 38171879 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Glycosylation, the major post-translational modification of proteins, significantly increases the diversity of proteoforms. Glycans are involved in a variety of pivotal structural and functional roles of proteins, and changes in glycosylation are profoundly connected to the progression of numerous diseases. Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as the gold standard for glycan and glycopeptide analysis because of its high sensitivity and the wealth of fragmentation information that can be obtained. Various separation techniques have been employed to resolve glycan and glycopeptide isomers at the front end of the MS. However, differentiating structures of isobaric and isomeric glycopeptides constitutes a challenge in MS-based characterization. Many reports described the use of various ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) techniques for glycomic analyses. Nevertheless, very few studies have focused on N- and O-linked site-specific glycopeptidomic analysis. Unlike glycomics, glycoproteomics presents a multitude of inherent challenges in microheterogeneity, which are further exacerbated by the lack of dedicated bioinformatics tools. In this review, we cover recent advances made towards the growing field of site-specific glycosylation analysis using IM-MS with a specific emphasis on the MS techniques and capabilities in resolving isomeric peptidoglycan structures. Furthermore, we discuss commonly used software that supports IM-MS data analysis of glycopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Girgis
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering & Computing, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
- Center for Molecular Engineering, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Gregory Petruncio
- Center for Molecular Engineering, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Paul Russo
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Steven Peyton
- Center for Molecular Engineering, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Mikell Paige
- Center for Molecular Engineering, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Diana Campos
- Max-Planck-Institut fuer Herz- und Lungenforschung, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Miloslav Sanda
- Max-Planck-Institut fuer Herz- und Lungenforschung, Bad Nauheim, Germany
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2
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Sadr-Bazzaz M, Talaei A, Sadeghi MJ, Moradi M, Ahmadisoleymani Z, Vasey PL. Association of Recalled Childhood Sex-Typed Behavior with Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Iranian Adult Males and Females. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38691343 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2346926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Same-sex sexual attraction in both males and females has been associated with childhood sex-atypical behavior. Gynephilic females recall behaving in a manner that is less female-typical and more male-typical compared to cisgender androphilic females, whereas androphilic males recall behaving in a manner that is less male-typical and more female-typical compared to cisgender gynephilic males. In addition, male and female ambiphilic individuals exhibit intermediate levels of childhood sex-atypicality. In this study, we examined recalled childhood sex-typed behavior among Iranian cisgender gynephilic males (n = 236), cisgender ambiphilic males (n = 51), cisgender androphilic males (n = 191), transgender androphilic males (n = 60), cisgender androphilic females (n = 243), cisgender ambiphilic females (n = 96), cisgender gynephilic females (n = 32), and transgender gynephilic females (n = 122). Both cisgender androphilic males and cisgender gynephilic females recalled elevated childhood sex-atypicality, scoring intermediate between cisgender gynephilic males and cisgender androphilic females. Male and female ambiphilic participants scored intermediate between their other- and same-sex attracted cisgender counterparts. Transgender androphilic males exhibited hyper-feminized childhood behavior, scoring even more female-typical than cisgender androphilic females. Transgender gynephilic females recalled behaving as male-typical as cisgender gynephilic males. Consistent with previous research, our findings from Iran - a non-Western, Middle Eastern culture - provide cross-cultural support for the universality of childhood sex-atypicality as a normative developmental precursor of monosexual or ambisexual same-sex attraction in both males and females who are cisgender and transgender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Talaei
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
| | | | - Marjan Moradi
- Department of Psychology, Toos Institute of Higher Education
| | | | - Paul L Vasey
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge
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3
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Beltz AM, Demidenko MI, Wilson SJ, Berenbaum SA. Prenatal androgen influences on the brain: A review, critique, and illustration of research on congenital adrenal hyperplasia. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:563-574. [PMID: 34139025 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormones, especially androgens, contribute to sex and gender differences in the brain and behavior. Organizational effects are particularly important because they are thought to be permanent, reflecting hormone exposure during sensitive periods of development. In human beings, they are often studied with natural experiments in which sex hormones are dissociated from other biopsychosocial aspects of development, such as genes and experiences. Indeed, the greatest evidence for organizational effects on sex differences in human behavior comes from studies of females with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), who have heightened prenatal androgen exposure, female-typical rearing, and masculinized toy play, activity and career interests, spatial skills, and some personal characteristics. Interestingly, however, neuroimaging studies of females with CAH have revealed few neural mechanisms underlying these hormone-behavior links, with the exception of emotion processing; studies have instead shown reduced gray matter volumes and reduced white matter integrity most consistent with other disease-related processes. The goals of this narrative review are to: (a) describe methods for studying prenatal androgen influences, while offering a brief overview of behavioral outcomes; (b) provide a critical methodological review of neuroimaging research on females with CAH; (c) present an illustrative analysis that overcomes methodological limitations of previous work, focusing on person-specific neural reward networks (and their associations with sensation seeking) in women with CAH and their unaffected sisters in order to inform future research questions and approaches that are most likely to reveal organizational hormone effects on brain structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriene M Beltz
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Stephen J Wilson
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sheri A Berenbaum
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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4
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Wang Q, Wang X, Yang L, Han K, Huang Z, Wu H. Sex differences in noise-induced hearing loss: a cross-sectional study in China. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:24. [PMID: 33676563 PMCID: PMC7937304 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant sex differences exist in hearing physiology, while few human studies have investigated sex differences in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), and the sex bias in previous studies resulted in inadequate female data. The study aims to investigate sex differences in the characteristics of NIHL to provide insight into sex-specific risk factors, prevention strategies and treatment for NIHL. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 2280 industrial noise-exposed shipyard workers (1140 males and 1140 females matched for age, job and employment length) in China. Individual noise exposure levels were measured to calculate the cumulative noise exposure (CNE), and an audiometric test was performed by an experienced technician in a soundproof booth. Sex differences in and influencing factors of low-frequency (LFHL) and high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL) were analyzed using logistic regression models stratified by age and CNE. RESULTS At comparable noise exposure levels and ages, the prevalence of HFHL was significantly higher in males (34.4%) than in females (13.8%), and males had a higher prevalence of HFHL (OR = 4.19, 95% CI 3.18 to 5.52) after adjusting for age, CNE, and other covariates. Sex differences were constant and highly remarkable among subjects aged 30 to 40 years and those with a CNE of 80 to 95 dB(A). Alcohol consumption might be a risk factor for HFHL in females (OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 8.89). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates significant sex differences in NIHL. Males are at higher risk of HFHL than females despite equivalent noise exposure and age. The risk factors for NIHL might be different in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixuan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 ZhiZaoJu Road, HuangPu District, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueling Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 ZhiZaoJu Road, HuangPu District, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Biobank, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 ZhiZaoJu Road, HuangPu District, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Han
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 ZhiZaoJu Road, HuangPu District, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwu Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 ZhiZaoJu Road, HuangPu District, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 639 ZhiZaoJu Road, HuangPu District, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China. .,Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Luoto S, Krams I, Rantala MJ. A Life History Approach to the Female Sexual Orientation Spectrum: Evolution, Development, Causal Mechanisms, and Health. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1273-1308. [PMID: 30229521 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Women's capacity for sexual fluidity is at least as interesting a phenomenon from the point of view of evolutionary biology and behavioral endocrinology as exclusively homosexual orientation. Evolutionary hypotheses for female nonheterosexuality have failed to fully account for the existence of these different categories of nonheterosexual women, while also overlooking broader data on the causal mechanisms, physiology, ontogeny, and phylogeny of female nonheterosexuality. We review the evolutionary-developmental origins of various phenotypes in the female sexual orientation spectrum using the synergistic approach of Tinbergen's four questions. We also present femme-specific and butch-specific hypotheses at proximate and ultimate levels of analysis. This review article indicates that various nonheterosexual female phenotypes emerge from and contribute to hormonally mediated fast life history strategies. Life history theory provides a biobehavioral explanatory framework for nonheterosexual women's masculinized body morphology, psychological dispositions, and their elevated likelihood of experiencing violence, substance use, obesity, teenage pregnancy, and lower general health. This pattern of life outcomes can create a feedback loop of environmental unpredictability and harshness which destabilizes intrauterine hormonal conditions in mothers, leading to a greater likelihood of fast life history strategies, global health problems, and nonheterosexual preferences in female offspring. We further explore the potential of female nonheterosexuality to function as an alloparental buffer that enables masculinizing alleles to execute their characteristic fast life history strategies as they appear in the female and the male phenotype. Synthesizing life history theory with the female sexual orientation spectrum enriches existing scientific knowledge on the evolutionary-developmental mechanisms of human sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severi Luoto
- English, Drama and Writing Studies, University of Auckland, Arts 1, Building 206, Room 616, 14A Symonds St., Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Indrikis Krams
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Markus J Rantala
- Department of Biology & Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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6
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O'Hanlan KA, Gordon JC, Sullivan MW. Biological origins of sexual orientation and gender identity: Impact on health. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 149:33-42. [PMID: 29605047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2017.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Gynecologic Oncologists are sometimes consulted to care for patients who present with diverse gender identities or sexual orientations. Clinicians can create more helpful relationships with their patients if they understand the etiologies of these diverse expressions of sexual humanity. Multidisciplinary evidence reveals that a sexually dimorphic spectrum of somatic and neurologic anatomy, traits and abilities, including sexual orientation and gender identity, are conferred together during the first half of pregnancy due to genetics, epigenetics and the diversity of timing and function of sex chromosomes, sex-determining protein secretion, gonadal hormone secretion, receptor levels, adrenal function, maternally ingested dietary hormones, fetal health, and many other factors. Multiple layers of evidence confirm that sexual orientation and gender identity are as biological, innate and immutable as the other traits conferred during that critical time in gestation. Negative social responses to diverse orientations or gender identities have caused marginalization of these individuals with resultant alienation from medical care, reduced self-care and reduced access to medical care. The increased risks for many diseases, including gynecologic cancers are reviewed. Gynecologic Oncologists can potentially create more effective healthcare relationships with their patients if they have this information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A O'Hanlan
- Laparoscopic Institute for Gynecology and Oncology (LIGO), 4370 Alpine Rd. Suite 104, Portola Valley, CA 94028, United States.
| | - Jennifer C Gordon
- University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, United States.
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7
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van Hemmen J, Cohen-Kettenis PT, Steensma TD, Veltman DJ, Bakker J. Do sex differences in CEOAEs and 2D:4D ratios reflect androgen exposure? A study in women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. Biol Sex Differ 2017; 8:11. [PMID: 28413602 PMCID: PMC5389183 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-017-0132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies investigating the influence of perinatal hormone exposure on sexually differentiated traits would greatly benefit from biomarkers of these early hormone actions. Click-evoked otoacoustic emissions show sex differences that are thought to reflect differences in early androgen exposure. Women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), who lack androgen action in the presence of XY-chromosomes, enabled us to study the effect of complete androgen inaction. The main goal was to investigate a possible link between click-evoked otoacoustic emissions and effective androgen exposure and, thus, whether this can be used as a biomarker. In addition, we aimed to replicate the only previous 2nd vs 4th digit-ratio study in women with CAIS, because despite the widely expressed criticisms of the validity of this measure as a biomarker for prenatal androgen exposure, it still is used for this purpose. Methods Click-evoked otoacoustic emissions and digit ratios from women with CAIS were compared to those from control men and women. Results The typical sex differences in click-evoked otoacoustic emissions and digit ratios were replicated in the control groups. Women with CAIS showed a tendency towards feminine, i.e., larger, click-evoked otoacoustic emission amplitudes in the right ear, and a significant female-typical, i.e., larger, digit ratio in the right hand. Although these results are consistent with androgen-dependent development of male-typical click-evoked otoacoustic emission amplitude and 2nd to 4th digit ratios, the within-group variability of these two measures was not reduced in women with CAIS compared with control women. Conclusions In line with previous studies, our findings in CAIS women suggest that additional, non-androgenic, factors mediate male-typical sexual differentiation of digit ratios and click-evoked otoacoustic emissions. Consequently, use of these measures in adults as retrospective markers of early androgen exposure is not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy van Hemmen
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peggy T Cohen-Kettenis
- Department of Medical Psychology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas D Steensma
- Department of Medical Psychology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julie Bakker
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Psychology, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Avenue Hippocrate 15, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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8
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Mueller SC, Verwilst T, Van Branteghem A, T'Sjoen G, Cools M. The contribution of the androgen receptor (AR) in human spatial learning and memory: A study in women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS). Horm Behav 2016; 78:121-6. [PMID: 26522496 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have examined the impact of androgen insensitivity on human spatial learning and memory. In the present study, we tested 11 women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), a rare genetic disorder characterized by complete absence of AR activity, and compared their performance against 20 comparison males and 19 comparison females on a virtual analog of the Morris Water Maze task. The results replicated a main sex effect showing that men relative to women were faster in finding the hidden platform and had reduced heading error. Furthermore, findings indicated that mean performance of women with CAIS was between control women and control men, though the differences were not statistically significant. Effect size estimates (and corresponding confidence intervals) of spatial learning trials showed little difference between women with CAIS and control women but CAIS women differed from men, but not women, on two variables, latency to find the platform and first-move latency. No differences between groups were present during visible platform trials or the probe trial, a measure of spatial memory. Moreover, groups also did not differ on estimates of IQ and variability of performance. The findings are discussed in relation to androgen insensitivity in human spatial learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Mueller
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - T Verwilst
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Van Branteghem
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - G T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Sexology and Gender Problems, University Hospital Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - M Cools
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital
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9
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Abstract
Many important psychological characteristics show sex differences, and are influenced by sex hormones at different developmental periods. We focus on the role of sex hormones in early development, particularly the differential effects of prenatal androgens on aspects of gender development. Increasing evidence confirms that prenatal androgens have facilitative effects on male-typed activity interests and engagement (including child toy preferences and adult careers), and spatial abilities, but relatively minimal effects on gender identity. Recent emphasis has been directed to the psychological mechanisms underlying these effects (including sex differences in propulsive movement, and androgen effects on interest in people versus things), and neural substrates of androgen effects (including regional brain volumes, and neural responses to mental rotation, sexually arousing stimuli, emotion, and reward). Ongoing and planned work is focused on understanding the ways in which hormones act jointly with the social environment across time to produce varying trajectories of gender development, and clarifying mechanisms by which androgens affect behaviors. Such work will be facilitated by applying lessons from other species, and by expanding methodology. Understanding hormonal influences on gender development enhances knowledge of psychological development generally, and has important implications for basic and applied questions, including sex differences in psychopathology, women's underrepresentation in science and math, and clinical care of individuals with variations in gender expression.
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10
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Abstract
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) results from androgen receptor dysfunction and is a common cause of disorder of sex development. The AIS phenotype largely depends on the degree of residual androgen receptor (AR) activity. This review describes the molecular action of androgens and the range of androgen receptor gene mutations, essential knowledge to understand the pathogenesis of the complete and partial forms of this syndrome. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for clinical management from infancy through to adulthood. Hormone replacement therapy is needed following gonadectomy. Patients who choose to retain the gonads are at risk of developing germ cell tumors for which sensitive circulating tumor markers may soon become available. Whilst the contribution of AR dysfunction to complete AIS is well understood, the involvement of the AR and associated proteins as contributors to partial AIS is an area of active research. Disorders of sex development such as AIS which are related to AR dysfunction offer a breadth of manifestations for the clinician to manage and opportunities for further research on the mechanism of androgen action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel P Mongan
- Cancer Biology and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - Rieko Tadokoro-Cuccaro
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Trevor Bunch
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ieuan A Hughes
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.
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11
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Hamann S, Stevens J, Vick JH, Bryk K, Quigley CA, Berenbaum SA, Wallen K. Brain responses to sexual images in 46,XY women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome are female-typical. Horm Behav 2014; 66:724-30. [PMID: 25284435 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Androgens, estrogens, and sex chromosomes are the major influences guiding sex differences in brain development, yet their relative roles and importance remain unclear. Individuals with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) offer a unique opportunity to address these issues. Although women with CAIS have a Y chromosome, testes, and produce male-typical levels of androgens, they lack functional androgen receptors preventing responding to their androgens. Thus, they develop a female physical phenotype, are reared as girls, and develop into women. Because sexually differentiated brain development in primates is determined primarily by androgens, but may be affected by sex chromosome complement, it is currently unknown whether brain structure and function in women with CAIS is more like that of women or men. In the first functional neuroimaging study of (46,XY) women with CAIS, typical (46,XX) women, and typical (46, XY) men, we found that men showed greater amygdala activation to sexual images than did either typical women or women with CAIS. Typical women and women with CAIS had highly similar patterns of brain activation, indicating that a Y chromosome is insufficient for male-typical human brain responses. Because women with CAIS produce male-typical or elevated levels of testosterone which is aromatized to estradiol these results rule out aromatization of testosterone to estradiol as a determinate of sex differences in patterns of brain activation to sexual images. We cannot, however, rule out an effect of social experience on the brain responses of women with CAIS as all were raised as girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Hamann
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | | | - Kristina Bryk
- Psychology Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - Sheri A Berenbaum
- Psychology Department, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kim Wallen
- Psychology Department, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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